Thoughts On Happiness…
The New Year 2010 already has arrived. This is the time everybody wishes you “happy new year.” I hope all those wishes will bring you many happy moments in 2010. Before the echoes of all those “happy new year” wishes fade away, this might be a good time to ask a question about happiness in your life. What does happiness mean to you? What can you do to bring more real happiness to your life? How about doing something to free yourself from unhappiness? Most importantly what can you do to bring happiness to those who are an important part of your life?
There could be a million things that we all could do to make ourselves better and happier people. I would like to share with you a few things I am reminding myself to have a better quality of life especially for the New Year.
First, life is full of imperfections and we can not wait until everything is perfect to be happy. We can be happy or at least we can prevent ourselves from becoming unhappy by learning to accept imperfections and having a positive attitude to deal with them. You do not need to be unhappy to deal with imperfections and difficult challenges in life. Being unhappy does not help you to solve your problems.
Second, recognize the power of your intentions and the power within you to make choices. You can choose to be happy or you can choose not to be unhappy. Make an effort to use the power within you to guide your mind and intentions.
Try to be less selfish because selfishness is one of the most common causes of unhappiness and pain. Are you a person who is unaware how your selfishness hurts yourself or others around you? Please take a moment to think of that. When your efforts, energy and thoughts bring happiness to others in turn they bring you a special kind of happiness.
The most important ingredient for happiness is inner peace. When you lose peace of mind you lose a lot out of life. A chaotic mind breeds unhappiness and pain and is the worst enemy of happiness, so strive to cultivate inner peace. Take at least a few minutes every day to lead the mind into a state of peace or place of quietness.
Finally I would like to share with you my blessings and loving kindness and wish all of you the experience of many peaceful and inspirational moments in 2010. I share my gratitude with you for being part of our humanitarian projects and spiritual programs the past year.
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
Bhante Y. Wimala
